Conservationists are concerned state bureaucrats may target lion 'KM04' for death as soon as this weekend.

At least two Kofa lions have been unethically killed by AGFD in recent years. The state has trapping and collaring these rare lower Sonoran Desert lions in the name of research, but then using the GPS/radio signal collar to track and kill pumas, as a part of bighorn sheep 'game farm' style management that seems to seek to extirpate lions on and around the refuge.

The on-going ethical problems and predator persecution by AGFD deeply concerns me as an Arizona hunter.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service is working on a lion plan and a draft is due out next week for comment. AGFD should continue to cooperate and respect the legal plan process by committing to killing no lions until the plan is done. Killing research animals unwisely jeopardizes important data and scientific research, and raises moral issues when the killing is in response to natural behavior of the animal.

The AGFD Commission will likely discuss and get public comment on this at its next meeting in Phoenix Aug 7-8. If you cannot make the meeting in person you may watch and testify effectively via video conference at AGFD offices around the state, including Tucson, Yuma and Flagstaff. Arizona's wildlife is your wildlife and these animals need your support to survive.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

PHOENIX -- Read below an honest analysis of the bad budget GOP Gov. Jan Brewer and legislative leadership seem to be rushing to try to pass. There may be some action soon at the capitol on this, or there may not. Seems GOP leadership may still be having a tough sell to get enough votes on this junker of a budget deal.

Republicans’ tax increase comes up short

After signing a no-tax pledge, Republicans are proposing a one-cent sales tax increase that they say will yield $2.2 billion in three years. It allows for a one-cent increase in 2010 and 2011 and a $0.50 cent increase in 2012. But they also propose to decrease income tax by $400 million a year and permanently repeal $250 million a year of the state education equalization tax.

A more likely scenario is that a one-cent increase will raise as little as $750 million a year. (Source: Republican lawmakers in The Arizona Republic, ‘As sales-tax plan gathers support, questions linger,’ July 28) and a total of only just over $1.4 B in the next 3 years.

What does that mean for the state? Simple math tells us.Republicans’ tax increase:• 2010 - $312.5 million (assumes a one-cent increase generating $750 million a year divided by 12, multiplied by five months since collections would start in February)• 2011 - $750 million (assumes a one-cent cent increase at 12 months of collections)• 2012 - $593.75 million (assumes collections for 7 months at 1 cent increase and 5 months at a half cent increase)• 2013 - $218.75 million (assumes collections for 7 months at half cent increase)TOTAL: $1.875 billion in revenue over 4 years

Republicans’ tax cuts:• State equalization tax cuts given away over four years: $1 billion ($250 million a year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013)• Income tax cuts given away over next four years: $800 million ($400 million a year beginning in 2012 and into 2013)TOTAL: $1.8 billion in tax cutsNote: These tax cuts are permanent and guaranteed over the next 4 years, even if the sales tax increase does not pass

RESULT: Republicans’ plan gives nearly as much in guaranteed tax cuts as it would raise in increased revenue over the next four years, which fails to solve the deficit.

What the Republicans’ plan means for overall revenue for the state:• Total sales tax generated over four years (if it passes on the ballot): $1.875 billion• Total tax cuts given away over four years: $1.8 billion• TOTAL NEW revenue to the state over four years: $75 million

The future, according to Republicans:Beginning in 2014, $650 million given away annually ($250 million for state equalization tax plus $400 million in income tax cuts), primarily to the wealthy and large corporations.

PHOENIX -- 'No plan Jan' has morphed in to 'bad plan Jan' as Arizona's accidental Gov. Jan Brewer (R-Glendale) and reckless Republican lawmakers are reportedly ready to push a bad new budget plan that would further cut schools, healthcare and other essential services.

The GOP plan also reportedly calls for more big tax cuts for the rich, and an unfair hike of the sales tax which is already too high and will hurt middle to lower income Arizonans the most.

Arizona legislative Democrats, who represent millions of Arizonans, are meeting this morning to discuss the strongest possible way to continue to fight back for economic justice and work for a fair, reasonable and responsible budget.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Association of Realtors is fighting a new state law related to foreclosures (SB1271), according to the New York Times.

It'll be interesting to see if this gets added to the agenda of Gov. Jan Brewer's (R) special session.

I am not convinced we must revisit this issue so soon during this special session where fixing the budget is clearly the top priority, but I will carefully consider all sides if it does come up before January.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

TUCSON -- The remains of three black Buffalo Soldiers who served more than 130 years ago in the American southwest will be reburied with full military honors July 28 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Julius Parker, one of the Army's highest ranking African American military intelligence officers, will deliver the eulogy while members of the LD29 south side Tucson-based Arizona Buffalo Soldiers Association, dressed in period uniforms, will serve as pallbearers.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

TUCSON -- I'm proud to announce I'll be running for re-election in 2010 to keep serving the good people of Tucson's downtown, south and southeast sides as a State Representative from Arizona's legislative district 29.

It's been a challenging year at the Arizona Capitol, yet I humbly feel I've been effective, earned respect, learned a lot and worked well with other members using my skills and determination for the common good. I also serve with influence on two key House Committees critical to Tucson and Pima County's interests: Water and Energy, and Military Affairs and Public Safety.

My family and I deeply appreciate and value the strong support we've received, and we respectfully ask for your backing and vote again next year.

With the on-going support of my constituents I look forward to continuing to solve problems, help people and build bridges for positive change and economic justice in Arizona. Thank you.